New Delhi, February 9, 2026 – A prominent member of India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for the establishment of an independent Space Force to safeguard the nation's strategic interests in outer space. The Rajya Sabha MP, Sujeet Kumar, emphasized the critical importance of space as a strategic domain, particularly concerning communications, navigation, and military operations.

Kumar's statement highlights the increasing recognition of space as a vital arena for national security and technological advancement. He pointed out that both China and the United States have already established dedicated space forces, signaling a growing global trend towards militarization and securitization of space.

The call for a dedicated Indian Space Force comes amid increasing concerns about the potential threats to India's space assets, which include satellites used for communication, weather forecasting, and strategic purposes. These assets are vulnerable to various threats, including cyberattacks, anti-satellite weapons, and electronic warfare.

The establishment of a Space Force would involve creating a separate military branch responsible for protecting India's space assets and ensuring its access to space. This could include developing offensive and defensive space capabilities, as well as enhancing space situational awareness to detect and deter potential threats.

Such a move would mark a significant shift in India's space policy, which has traditionally focused on peaceful applications of space technology. However, proponents of a Space Force argue that it is necessary to deter potential adversaries and protect India's growing strategic interests in space.

The proposal is likely to spark debate within India's strategic community, with some experts cautioning against the weaponization of space and the potential for an arms race in outer space. Others argue that India cannot afford to be left behind as other major powers develop their space capabilities.

The Indian government has been steadily increasing its investments in space technology in recent years, with a focus on developing indigenous capabilities in satellite development, launch vehicles, and space-based surveillance. The establishment of a Space Force would be a logical extension of these efforts, signaling India's determination to protect its interests in the increasingly contested domain of outer space.

The debate over a Space Force also underscores the growing convergence of civilian and military space activities. As space technology becomes more integrated into various aspects of modern life, including communication, navigation, and defense, the lines between civilian and military space programs are becoming increasingly blurred. This trend presents both opportunities and challenges for countries like India, which must balance the benefits of space technology with the need to protect its national security interests.